Up
/ʌp/
Definitions
5 meaningsTo or toward a higher place or position; in or into a state of activity or operation; to a greater degree; completely or entirely.
/ʌp/
In or to a higher position or level
She looked up at the stars.
💡 Simply: Think of it like this: 'Up' means something is going higher, like when you fly a kite, it goes *up* in the sky! It can also mean more, like turning the TV volume *up*.
👶 For kids: Going to a higher place, like going up the stairs!
More Examples
The price went up.
He stood up and walked away.
Turn the music up.
How It's Used
"The balloon floated up into the sky."
"He turned the volume up on the radio."
In a direction toward a higher place or position, especially along or on something.
/ʌp/
Toward a higher point of a surface
The cat climbed up the tree.
💡 Simply: When you're walking *up* a hill, you're going to a higher place. Or when you climb *up* a tree, you're using your arms and legs to get higher.
👶 For kids: Going toward a higher place or level, like going up a slide.
More Examples
She walked up the stairs.
The flag went up the pole.
He looked up at the tall building.
How It's Used
"They climbed up the mountain."
"The ball went up the court."
Being in a state of activity, operation, or readiness; being in a higher position.
/ʌp/
Being in a state of being active or in operation
The business is up and running.
💡 Simply: If the computer is 'up', it means it's working. If you are 'up' for a challenge, it means you're ready to do it.
👶 For kids: When something is working, it's up! Like when your toys are out and ready to play.
More Examples
The website is up.
Are you up for a game?
The project is up for consideration.
How It's Used
"The website is up and running."
"The project is up for review."
To raise or increase; to bring (something) to a higher position or level.
/ʌp/
To raise
They upped the price of the product.
💡 Simply: To increase something, like when you *up* the price, it means to make it more expensive.
👶 For kids: To make something bigger or more, like turn the music UP!
More Examples
The company upped its marketing budget.
He upped the ante and raised the stakes.
How It's Used
"He upped the ante in negotiations."
An upward movement, often used in the plural to describe changes in fortune or in feelings.
/ʌp/
An upward movement
He experienced many ups and downs during his career.
💡 Simply: When we talk about the *ups* and downs, we're talking about good and bad times or moments in life.
👶 For kids: A moment when something goes up.
More Examples
We are discussing the ups and downs of the stock market.
They showed great resilience through the ups and downs.
The ups and downs of a rollercoaster.
How It's Used
"The ups and downs of the market."
"The ups and downs of life."
Synonyms
Above
Aloft
Ascending
Erect
Higher
Along
Onto
Active
Alert
Current
Functioning
Operational
Prepared
Ready
Elevate
Enhance
Increase
Raise
Advances
Highs
Increases
Rises
Antonyms
Below
Descending
Down
Lower
Off
Broken
Closed
Inactive
Decrease
Reduce
Decreases
Downs
Lows
Idioms & expressions
up and about
Active; out of bed, especially after an illness.
"After the flu, she was finally up and about."
to be up to something
Engaged in; planning or doing something, often mischievous.
"I wonder what those kids are up to."
look up
To search for information in a reference book or on the internet.
"I looked up the word in the dictionary."
cheer up
To become happier; to make someone happier.
"Cheer up, it's not the end of the world!"
make up
To invent or fabricate something, such as a story or excuse.
"She made up a story about why she was late."
give up
To stop trying; to abandon.
"Don't give up on your dreams!"
fill up
To become full.
"The room filled up quickly."
From Old English upp, meaning 'upward, aloft, on high'. Related to German auf and Dutch op.
Used since Old English, 'up' has consistently denoted elevation or increase, appearing in various constructions over centuries.